Choosing the Best Crib Newborn
The Westport Cot Bed is a minimalist crib that can look amazing in a modern Scandi nursery. It also offers a great variety of versatility, with three different mattress support heights and the possibility of transforming into the bed of a toddler.
Cribs can take up a lot room, so bassinets might be a better option if your house is small. Many parents prefer a crib because of safety concerns.
Safety
Selecting the best crib for your newborn is crucial to your baby's health and wellbeing. You want to make sure that it is in line with the current safety standards, and is free of hazards that could cause harm during sleep. It should be constructed well and sturdy, without loose pieces that may catch on clothing or create a choking risk. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use and check the crib regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Examine the distance between slats. It should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby's head or legs from getting caught between them. You should be able to see and reach your child's crib. If you can't, the slats are too close to each other and should be wider.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable to different heights, so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. This will decrease the chance of your child leaving the crib, which is a common event as they begin to crawl.
A fitted sheet that fits the bed securely and solid and sturdy construction are other security features to look for. It is also recommended to choose a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides which could be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to share a room with your baby for the first six months or so, and only transfer them to their own bedroom when they are old enough to be watched when they sleep on their own.
Not least, make sure the crib is kept away from radiators and windows and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are out of reach. You should also take away any items that could present a choking risk, such as pillows or blankets. Be careful when purchasing used cribs since they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
While cribs might appear the same, it is important to keep in mind that all must meet strict safety standards. To this end, the majority cribs we looked at have a similar layout to ensure uniformity of structural integrity. For instance, the majority of cribs have circular bars that don't have any gaps or rough areas that could catch or snag the baby. We also tested each crib and rated it for its simplicity of use and assembly. We recommend choosing one with fewer components to avoid confusion.
One of our top cribs is the Evolur Sprout Crib, which has an elegant, modern design and comes in several colors, including two-toned. It also comes with an all-purpose mattress fitting and is Greenguard Gold Certified for having low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is another option. This crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's perfect for modern nursery designs. The crib is available in various finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, so your baby can use it from birth to toddler. We tried the crib and found it to be solid and stable, without creaking or flexing when a toddler was seated inside.
If you're thinking of having more children, you may think about a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed and then a full-size mattress, providing excellent value for money. Our test parents have given the Sweet2Sleep Crib excellent marks as an example of convertible beds. The side rails that slide down were loved by a lot of parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also noted that the crib was spacious enough room for the baby to be comfortable while mom and dad were asleep.
The Colby 4-in-1 from the Carter's by DaVinci is an excellent option for those who prefer a more traditional style. This crib is cheaper than the Stork Craft and comes with a classic design that is suitable for every nursery. It has three different heights for the mattress however, some parents and toddlers may feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
Newborns are messy creatures, and a washable crib mattress is essential. Spit-up from babies and diaper leaks can cause mattresses to become damp and dirty and result in mildew or bacteria that could be harmful to infants. Look for a product that can be cleaned with a cloth or scrubbed with mild cleaner. You should also select a mattress cover that is waterproof to help prevent fluids from leaking into the mattress and causing health issues.
Choose mattresses that are designed to last 10 years, meaning it's prepared for toddlers and beyond. Many of the mattresses we've reviewed here are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This allows you to use them from the time of birth until your child is ready to move on to their own bed.
A mattress that is firm is the best choice for infants because it provides the greatest support for their developing spines. A firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the likelihood that an infant's head will sink into it.
If you are in search of a firm crib mattress, check the label to make sure it is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for the possibility of flammability, waterproofing lead, as well as other chemicals that could be danger to infants. You can also find certifications such as Greenguard, CertiPUR and GOTS, which indicate that the mattress was tested for volatile organic compounds that may cause harm to babies' respiratory and nervous systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to consider. The regular changes to sheets at night require that you lift and move the mattress. If you struggle lifting heavy objects or don't want to take on a heavy product then consider getting a lighter crib mattress. cots and tots , for example is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness weighs 20 lbs. tots and cots makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It is also made of foam instead of woven core inners. This makes it much easier to move around as compared to a heavier traditional coil bed.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that is easy to assemble. Choose a crib with hardware that is securely secured with without sharp edges or rough spots that could rub your baby's skin. Avoid cribs with drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts. These features don't meet the safety standards of today.
If you decide to purchase a convertible crib, you'll have to purchase a separate kit for converting it into an adult bed. These kits are sold separately by the majority of manufacturers. These kits are usually affordable and can help your child make the transition from a smaller bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are a great option for families with several children. These cribs are designed to last, and they are typically able to be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or a full-size bed.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is solid wood crib that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and comes with four mattress-level heights. It's available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib is simple to move around and features locking wheels. It is suitable for the majority of twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib was very easy to assemble - it took 23 minutes to put together.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib, is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It is in compliance with all U.S. safety standards, in addition to those of Canada, Australia and Europe. It also has a stylish, minimalist design that won't interfere with any decor in the bedroom. The Sprout crib is one of the lightest cribs we've tested, with a weight of only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was runner-up in our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has received numerous awards from different parenting publications like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium-height profile and can be transformed from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without a rail. It's simple to put together and has lots of appeal. However, the slender finish is susceptible to scratches during normal use.